Southern California -- this just in

Boy home alone thwarts burglars, Fullerton police say

December 28, 2011 | 8:28
am

A 13-year-old boy was home alone when three burglars broke into his Fullerton home, but he quickly alerted police who captured one of the suspects, authorities say.

Fullerton Police Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said the three suspects entered the house Tuesday, thinking no one was home. The suspects first knocked on the door, he said, but the boy did not respond because he did not know the people.

When no one answered the door, the suspects went into the backyard and entered the house from there, Goodrich said. The boy called 911 from a hiding place in his room.

Officers responded with lights and sirens. The suspects fled in their car just as officers arrived and a chase ensued.

The suspects collided with a car at the intersection of Gilbert and Malvern and continued westbound on Malvern before eventually crashing into a fire hydrant in La Mirada, near La Mirada Boulevard and Imperial Highway. Police set up a perimeter to search for the suspects, who ran from the crashed car.

Officers arrested Deon William Oden, 23, of Los Angeles on suspicion of burglary, felony evading, felony hit and run, and other charges.

"We want to remind residents that, depending upon the situation, advising someone who is at your door that you are home without opening the door is something people should consider," said Fullerton Police Capt. Dan Hughes.

Investigators said two other suspects, a male and a female in her 30s, were still at large. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Det. Michael Hines at (714) 773-5765, or the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6716.